A coalition of trade unions and political parties is preparing a referendum to stop industry-wide labour agreements from overriding cantonal and municipal minimum wages.
Parliament recently ruled that industry contracts, known as CLAs, can take precedence over local wage floors — a decision the coalition calls "an attack on all low-wage workers".
Vania Alleva, vice-president of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions and head of Unia, says minimum wages exist to keep taxpayers from indirectly subsidising low-earner households through social assistance.
The next step is to gather enough signatures to force a national vote.
Politician on trial accused of rape and drug assault
Swiss People's Party says EU treaty helps crime
Waterways dry
Jim's British Market changes hands
Storms possible at end of week
Penthouse flats lose appeal
